Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp
Tharp in 2004
Born (1941-07-01) July 1, 1941 (age 83)
Alma materPomona College
Barnard College
Occupation(s)Choreographer, dancer
Years active1960s–present
AwardsDrama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography, 2003 Movin' Out
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography 1985 Baryshnikov by Tharp with American Ballet Theatre
Tony Award for Best Choreography, 2003 Movin' Out
Websitewww.twylatharp.org Edit this at Wikidata

Twyla Tharp (/ˈtwlə ˈθɑːrp/; born July 1, 1941) is an American dancer, choreographer, and author who lives and works in New York City. In 1965 she formed the company Twyla Tharp Dance, which merged with American Ballet Theatre in 1988. She regrouped the company in 1991.[2] Her work often uses classical music, jazz, and contemporary pop music.

From 1971 to 1988, Twyla Tharp Dance toured extensively around the world, performing original works. In 1973 Tharp choreographed Deuce Coupe to the music of The Beach Boys for the Joffrey Ballet. Deuce Coupe is considered the first "crossover ballet", a mix of ballet and modern dance. Later she choreographed Push Comes to Shove (1976), which featured Mikhail Baryshnikov and is now thought to be the best example of crossover ballet.

On May 24, 2018, Tharp was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree by Harvard University.[3]

  1. ^ "Twyla Tharp". Encyclopædia Britannica. December 31, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  2. ^ "Twyla Tharp". macfound.org. MacArthurFoundation. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  3. ^ "Harvard awards seven honorary degrees". May 24, 2018.